Turkish C-130 Crash Kills 20

Authorities have launched a search-and-recovery operation after a Turkish Air Force Lockheed C-130 Hercules transport aircraft crashed, killing all 20 people onboard. The incident occurred near the Georgia-Azerbaijan border on November 11.

Details of the Incident

The C-130E aircraft was flying from Ganja International Airport in Azerbaijan back to Turkey when it seemingly disintegrated in midair and crashed. Video footage shared online shows debris including a wing and fuselage falling from the sky.

Aircraft Background

The 57-year-old Hercules, with serial number 68 1609, was originally built in 1968 for the Royal Saudi Air Force. It entered Turkish service in March 2010, according to C-130.net.

Flight Information

FlightRadar24 tracked the flight from takeoff, receiving the last signal at 10:49 a.m. UTC when the aircraft was cruising at 24,000 feet.

Official Statements and Fleet Information

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that recovery efforts were underway with relevant authorities.

According to Aviation Week Network’s Fleet Discovery Database, the Turkish Air Force operates 11 C-130Es and six older C-130Bs, planning to replace most with second-hand C-130Js from the UK.

Author's Note

The crash tragically ended 20 lives and highlights ongoing challenges with aging military aircraft fleets in Turkey.

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Aviation Week Network — 2025-11-11